What is MKHP?
MKHP (melamine-faced hard paper) is a thermoset laminate per DIN 7735 / EN 60893-3-4: a phenolic-resin-impregnated paper core faced on both sides with decorative, light-fast melamine resin cover layers. The melamine surface gives the material a very high tracking resistance (CTI 600) and makes it the standard material for medium-voltage switchgear as well as decorative cladding in medical technology and laboratories.
Technical Data
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| General Properties | ||
| Density | 1.4 g/cm³ | DIN 53479 |
| Water absorption (4 mm) | 80 mg | DIN 53495 |
| Colour | light grey (RAL 7035) | – |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Flexural strength 23 °C | 130 MPa | DIN 53452 |
| Impact strength | 15 kJ/m² | DIN 53453 |
| Notched impact strength (Charpy) | 4 kJ/m² | DIN 53453 |
| Tensile strength | 100 MPa | DIN 53455 |
| Compressive strength, parallel | 150 MPa | DIN 53454 |
| Delamination strength | 2000 N | DIN 53463 |
| Flexural modulus | 7000 MPa | DIN 53457 |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Limit temperature (continuous use) | 120 °C | VDE 0304, T.2 |
| Electrical Properties | ||
| Tracking resistance CTI | 600 | IEC 60112 |
| Dielectric strength (1-min test voltage, parallel) | 20 kV | DIN 53481 |
MKHP in detail
1What is MKHP?+
MKHP is a melamine-faced hard paper per DIN 7735 / EN 60893-3-4: a phenolic-resin-impregnated paper core with decorative melamine resin cover layers. The melamine surface gives the material a very high tracking resistance (CTI 600) combined with a light, light-fast appearance.
2How does Liedtke machine MKHP?+
We saw, mill, drill and turn MKHP with sharp, carbide-tipped tools into dimensionally accurate precision parts. The material should be at room temperature before machining; we ensure adequate dust extraction.
3When should I choose MKHP?+
MKHP pays off whenever tracking resistance needs to be combined with a light, decorative surface, for example:
- Insulating and partition panels in medium-voltage switchgear (up to 30 kV)
- Fuse insertion plates and covers in switchgear construction
- Hospital furniture and medical technology cladding
- Laboratory and sports facility fittings
- Front panels and visible cladding parts
4What determines the price of an MKHP part?+
The component price is determined mainly by sheet thickness, dimensions, material utilisation (offcuts), machining effort and batch size. MKHP is priced above plain, unfaced hard paper due to the melamine resin cover layers. We are happy to provide binding prices on request based on your drawing.
5When is MKHP not the right choice?+
MKHP is not declared for direct food contact, and it is not designed for continuous use above approximately 120 °C. If higher mechanical strength is required, the glass-fibre-reinforced MKHP+ is the better choice; as a thermoset, MKHP also cannot be reshaped or welded.
6Advantages and disadvantages of MKHP+
An honest assessment, and how the disadvantages can be mitigated in practice:
- Advantage: Very high tracking resistance (CTI 600)
- Advantage: Light-coloured, light-fast, weather-resistant surface
- Advantage: High mechanical strength and dimensional stability
- Advantage: Good electrical insulating properties
- Advantage: Good machinability
- Disadvantage: Not declared for direct food contact
- Disadvantage: Continuous use limited to approximately 120 °C
- Disadvantage: Thermoset, cannot be reshaped or welded (machining only)
- Disadvantage: Higher price than plain, unfaced hard paper
- Practical tip: MKHP is the right choice when tracking resistance and a light, decorative surface are required, for example in medium-voltage switchgear construction or for visible cladding in medical technology and laboratories. For higher mechanical requirements, the glass-fibre-reinforced MKHP+ is preferable; for pure cost optimisation without tracking resistance requirements, plain hard paper (PF CP) is sufficient.
Typical Properties
- Very high tracking resistance (CTI 600)
- Good moisture and weather resistance
- High mechanical strength
- Good electrical insulating properties
- Thermoset, dimensionally stable
- Good machinability
- Light, light-fast melamine surface
- Colour light grey (RAL 7035)
Typical Industries
- Electrical engineering and switchgear construction
- Medical technology
- Laboratory and sports facility construction
- Front panel cladding
- Mechanical and plant engineering
- Fixture and insulation construction
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